Fabrication and characterization of eco-friendly bioplastics from potato peel starch and sugarcane bagasse cellulose

Environmental pollution due to the overuse of synthetic plastics has become a global concern. A sustainable alternative to tackle the rising plastic pollution is biodegradable plastic. Food processing and agricultural residues can be utilized to produce bioplastic (BP). In the present study, sugarcane bagasse was used to extract cellulose, and starch was isolated from potato peel to prepare bioplastic films using the solvent casting method. The cellulose concentration was varied to evaluate the effect on bioplastic properties. The prepared bioplastics were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, including thickness, water absorption capacity, and sensory properties. The chemical characterization was done using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the soil burial method was used for biodegradability analysis. Potato peel bioplastic (PPB) appeared transparent, while bioplastics incorporated with cellulose were found to be white to beige cream in color. FTIR results showed significant peaks confirming the successful formation of bioplastic. PPB showed a thickness of 0.18±0.01 mm, while cellulose-based bioplastic’s thickness ranged from 0.29±0.01 mm to 0.44±0.03 mm. The water absorption capacity was 91.5% for PPB and decreased progressively from 86.9±0.05% (SCB1) to 46.3±0.01% (SCB5) with increasing cellulose concentration. All the bioplastic films were completely degradable within 28 to 40 days. Bioplastics derived from these eco-friendly and renewable resources alleviate environmental degradation and dependence on synthetic plastics.